semplr.

Exams · Certifications · Licensing

Forklift Operator Knowledge Test (OSHA 1910.178)

Fuel, batteries and charging: practice questions

Our Forklift operator bank has 41 questions on this topic. Here are 5 of them with answers; the full mock exam draws from every topic, like the real one.

Start the free mock exam

Question 1

When should the vent plugs be out of a battery?

  1. Always during charging, so the gas can escape freely
  2. Only when adding water or taking hydrometer readings
  3. Always, to let the battery breathe
  4. Only when the truck is moving
Show the answer

B. Only when adding water or taking hydrometer readings — The eTool says to keep vent plugs in place at all times except when adding water to the cells or taking hydrometer readings.

Question 2

What is battery electrolyte in a lead-acid forklift battery?

  1. Distilled water only
  2. A sulfuric acid solution
  3. Liquid propane
  4. Distilled water with a little hydraulic oil
Show the answer

B. A sulfuric acid solution — The cell elements are submerged in a sulfuric acid solution called the electrolyte. It is corrosive and can cause severe burns.

Question 3

Where does the eTool recommend refueling gasoline or diesel forklifts?

  1. Wherever the truck runs low
  2. In the battery charging room
  3. At a designated safe location, preferably outdoors
  4. Wherever the truck happens to run low, to avoid running out of fuel
Show the answer

C. At a designated safe location, preferably outdoors — Refuel only at designated safe locations; an outdoor location is preferable to an indoor one, away from hazardous areas and heat sources.

Question 4

Why does the eTool say not to fill a fuel tank to the very top?

  1. Fuel expands as it warms and may overflow
  2. It makes the truck too heavy
  3. The gauge will break and the tank cap cannot be closed properly
  4. It voids the warranty
Show the answer

A. Fuel expands as it warms and may overflow — The eTool warns that the tank may overflow because fuel expands as it is heated.

Question 5

May an open flame be used to check the electrolyte level in a battery or the fuel level in a tank?

  1. No
  2. Yes, if the operator wears gloves
  3. Yes, outdoors only
  4. Yes, if a fire extinguisher is nearby
Show the answer

A. No — Open flames must not be used for checking electrolyte level in storage batteries or gasoline level in fuel tanks.

More Forklift operator topics